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Erin Blankenheim-Villarreal: A Trailblazer at CampHERO
Erin Blankenheim-Villarreal: A Trailblazer at CampHERO
Erin Blankenheim-Villarreal’s journey is a story of dedication and breaking new ground. She is the very first Girl Scout to attend CampHERO for 13 consecutive years, thus completing all five levels of CampHERO. She started as a kindergartner and showed up every single summer through today as a rising senior in high school!
A Family Tradition
CampHERO is more than a summertime program for Erin—it’s a family tradition. When CampHERO first started in 2012, Erin’s mom was eager to get her signed up, recognizing the unique opportunity it offered. Erin, along with her mom, dad, and brother, all volunteer their time to support this incredible camp. The family’s involvement adds a special touch to Erin’s journey. Erin’s mom, Megan, has deep roots in Girl Scouts and this program because Jen Román, co-founder and chair of CampHERO, was Megan’s troop leader when she was growing up!
Erin and her mother, Megan volunteering at CampHERO: Brownies in 2024.
A One-of-a-Kind Camp Experience
CampHERO was designed by local professionals in the protective services, with guidance from Girl Scouts, who are experts in creating leadership experiences for girls. The program is exciting, hands-on, and age-appropriate, ensuring that each participant experiences what it’s like to be a first responder. Girl Scouts conduct search and rescue operations, put out fires, learn splinting and bandaging techniques and managing bleeding and shock victims, as well as handcuffing ‘criminals’ after chasing them down in foot pursuits. Campers train at Madison College and various sites around Madison, Wisconsin. For girls in grades 6–12, the experience includes staying overnight and “working” a 24-hour shift, offering a taste of the real world.
A Journey of Commitment
Erin’s commitment to CampHERO has been exceptional. Since middle school, she has been a dedicated volunteer, showing unwavering support and enthusiasm. After turning 16, Erin earned the role of crew lead, further demonstrating her leadership and dedication. Completing every level of the program, Erin has mastered diverse challenges and set a high standard for others. Now a high school senior, she serves as the high school representative on the CampHERO Leadership Team, ensuring the program remains girl-led and impactful.
"I want to give girls the experience that I had, and overall find the confidence that I have, courage and build their character overall," says Erin. "Camp has meant a lot to me. I've formed so many relationships with the girls that I've volunteered with. It's also really exciting to come back and see the volunteers every year; these are some of my closest friends."
Erin Throughout the Years
Preparing for Her Future
Through CampHERO, Erin has acquired knowledge far beyond traditional education. She’s learned emergency response techniques, leadership, and teamwork—skills that have boosted her confidence, prepared her for future challenges, and given her the knowledge to act quickly in emergencies.
Looking Ahead
Erin is planning to become a physical therapist, a field that aligns with her passion for helping others and her interest in health and wellness. The skills and values she developed through CampHERO will serve her well in her future career, allowing her to make a positive impact on her patients' lives, while remaining calm when things don’t go as planned.
A Role Model
Erin’s journey is inspiring to many young girls who look up to her as a trailblazer. Her dedication to completing every level of CampHERO as a Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and Senior/Ambassador proves that with hard work and determination, great things are possible. Erin encourages others to embrace challenges, continue learning, and follow their passions.
Erin’s story highlights her exceptional dedication and perseverance. Her journey through CampHERO that prompted her professional ambitions is a powerful reminder of how impactful programs like Badgerland Girl Scouts’ CampHERO can be in shaping future leaders. As Erin continues to pursue her dreams, she will forever be an inspiration for all who aspire to make a difference. She says, "CampHERO has been one of the most influential parts of my life. The volunteers really make the camp experience. Learning from them has truly helped me become the person I am today!"
"CampHERO has been one of the most influential parts of my life. The volunteers really make the camp experience. Learning from them has truly helped me become the person I am today!" -Erin Blankenheim-Villarreal
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